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The Los Angeles Auto Show came to prominence last year when it emerged from the shadow of the mammoth Detroit Auto Show by moving to November from its previous mid-January slot and received the “International” designation from the OICA for the first time since it’s inception in 1907.

Over a dozen concept and production vehicles are expected to make their global debuts at this year’s LA Show alongside some 30 vehicles making their first appearance on North American shores.

The front-drive-based Murano is built on Nissan‘s new D-platform, a version of which is found underneath the 2008 Altima. Nissan claims the new vehicle has one-and-a-half times more torsional rigidity than the outgoing model, along with improved NVH ratings. The suspension reportedly makes “extensive use” of aluminum components to help lighten the Murano’s mass, although its final curb-weight ratings have yet to be announced. A refreshing change is that the five-passenger Murano is not significantly larger: At a length of 188.5 inches, width of 74.1 inches, and height of 66.9 inches, it’s just 0.9 inch longer, 0.1 inch wider, and 0.4 inch taller than the model it replaces.

Underpinning the Murano’s revised suspension geometry is a subframe-mounted independent front strut setup with stabilizer bar in tandem with an independent multilink rear with another stabilizer bar. Other vehicle systems include speed-sensitive power steering, power-assisted vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, and Nissan’s Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction-control systems. Yaw Moment Control is a feature available on higher-end, all-wheel-drive-equipped models.

The Cross Cabriolet Quatto Concept rides on the A4/S5’s longitudinal-engine, “transmission-forward” platform, with power coming from a 240-horsepower, 369 pound-foot six-cylinder turbodiesel with an ultra-low emission system that Audi says will meet the European Union’s 2014 standards. U.S.-spec Q5s will probably launch with the 3.2-liter V-6. The Cross Cab is shown with a full-time quattro system and electronic ride adjustment.

At 181.2 inches long and 75.2 inches wide, it’s about the size of the A5/S5 coupe, so if you imagine it lowered by a good ten inches, you’re also looking at a vague hint of the 2010 A5/S5 convertible. Overall height of the concept is 64.2 inches, on the low side of small crossover ride heights. Gee-whiz features include Google Earth software for the navigation system, which has a high-resolution display and 3-dimensional maps. It comes with an internet connection so that drivers can tune in on traffic, weather and air-quality information.

Lincoln has priced the {{{2009 MKS}}} at under $38,000 in an attempt to draw younger buyers into to the Lincoln fold and anticipates that up to 60 percent of the car’s buyers will be first-time Lincoln owners. Styling-wise, the 2009 Lincoln MKS focuses on classic elements rather than latest trends, although you can find a few of those in its lines as well. A double-wing grille marks the front of the car and wraps around through the front fascia to form a high creased beltline. The MKS is powered by an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V-6 that is good for a full 270 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox with a manual-shift option, Lincoln claims the engine will be equipped with gasoline turbo direct injection technology within a year of launch, which will be able to deliver comparable power to an eight-cylinder engine, while delivering better fuel economy. All-wheel-drive is an available option and is able to shift up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque between the front and rear wheels to maximize traction.

As we reported earlier, the biggest change between the Japanese version and ours is in the engine bay. We’ll be getting a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed four, while Japan’s STI makes do with a 2.0-liter unit of the same configuration. Expect a few trim changes too — we already know that the Japan-issue Recaro seats won’t be coming here — and of course, the steering wheel will be on the other side of the car.

A number of aero elements have been designed for the ACR in an effort to maximize downforce, reduce drag and increase lateral grip. The front “dive planes” on either side of the front fascia, a variable geometry “fanged” front spoiler, and the adjustable rear wing are all made of carbon fiber in order to reduce weight. The base Viper’s front fog lamps have also been deleted from the ACR in another weight-saving measure.Suspension-wise, two way adjustable KW Suspensions coil-overs have been fitted at all four corners of the car, along with an upgraded stabilizer bar up front. Both ride height and damping settings can be changed without removing the lightweight forged aluminum gloss black Sidewinder wheels, which are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup street-legal race rubber. Brakes are upgraded as well, with slotted two-piece StopTech 14-inch rotors providing enough stopping power to bring the Viper ACR to a halt from 60 mph in less than 100 feet, according to Dodge.

The 2008 Mustang Bullitt is well conceived, designed, engineered, and ready to rock. It’s crisper, sharper, and a bit quicker than a standard GT. Though not as fast as a GT500, it’s better balanced and less expensive. The Green Machine has a classy, stealth look, and a heritage all its own. Ford plans 7000 Bullitts for the U.S. market, and it’s likely to be the last special edition dedicated to the movie and the man. Translation: Future collectible.

Honda will finally be bringing its hydrogen fuel cell dreams to fruition next summer with its FCX Clarity, a zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered sedan. The FCX has been significantly improved on from past versions, with a 45 percent reduction in the size of its fuel cell powertrain, reducing it to a comparable size to a hybrid powertrain. Meanwhile, the FCX Clarity’s power-to-weight ratio is up 25 percent, with a lighter battery pack. Interior upholstery is made from recycled plant matter, while all the standard modern conveniences are in place, including Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, premium stereo and back-up camera. Production expectations are not yet known, but the FCX Clarity will be available mid-summer 2008 on a $600 per month, three-year lease plan.

Though the new Vibe continues to share much with the Toyota Matrix, especially under the skin, the exterior differences seem more pronounced than they were with the first-generation models. The Vibe’s front end, highlighted by a recessed silver-bordered black grille similar to that of the Pontiac G8 and the “autocross” grille available on the defunct GTO, is more crisply styled. The Vibe’s rearend is better executed and far less busy looking as well. The taillights are flush with the tailgate, the rear window is smaller and doesn’t extend into the support pillars, and the license plate has been moved down into the bumper.

No fuel-efficiency numbers have come forth yet for the Escalade Hybrid, but GM says that its two-mode hybrid system boosts fuel economy by as much as 50 percent. With the standard Escalade running 12 mpg in city driving, look for around 18 mpg from the hybrid variant. GM does claim that the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid’s towing capacity is 6000 pounds for two-wheel-drive models and 5700 pounds for four-wheel-drive versions.

One of the biggest features of the Escalade Platinum cannot be seen, but rather, felt. For the first time ever in an SUV, Cadillac is incorporating its Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology. As used on the Cadillac XLR Roadster and Chevrolet Corvette, GM touts MRC as the fastest reacting suspension system in the world, giving the Escalade Platinum better body motion control through continuous and almost instant adjustment to current road conditions

GM’s 2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid brings even more fuel economy and environmental friendliness to the 2007 LA Auto Show. With a 36-volt motor/generator unit replacing the conventional alternator, the system allows for 110 lb-ft of auto-start torque. Nickle metal hydride batteries deliver electrical power, while a 2.4-liter Ecotec VVT four-cylinder gasoline engine supplements the Malibu Hybrid to bring total horsepower to 164 and total torque to 159 lb-ft. Regenerative braking, start/stop engine technology, and early fuel shut off during deceleration all add to the Malibu Hybrid’s efficiency.

Volkswagen says that its Space Up! Blue features the world’s first high temperature fuel cell. Powered by 12 lithium-ion batteries, the Space Up! Blue is fully electric with a possible range of 65 miles and is able to be recharged either by plugging in to an electrical outlet, or via its fuel cell capability, which extends the vehicle’s range to a total of 220 miles on a single charge. The Space Up! Blue is also capable of charging its batteries by using the solar panel mounted to its roof which is able to feed 150 watts of power. Lower weight and price, as well as greater utility are pegged as key features VW says could help push its fuel cell technology into mass production.

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